BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA, Thursday, November 8, 2007— The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec met with Argentina Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Carlos Tomada, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labour Cooperation.
"We have a strong relationship with Argentina and we look forward to deepening our engagement," said Minister Blackburn. "The signing of this agreement sends a strong and positive signal that the Government of Canada is serious about working with its partners in the Americas to protect core labour standards and support good governance," added Minister Blackburn.
The MOU with the Republic of Argentina covers a wide range of themes such as the promotion of better working conditions, policies and programs on employment and child labour, alternative conflict resolution mechanisms, occupational health and safety, and gender equality.
During his visit, the Minister will also participate in a trilateral workshop between Canada, Argentina and Brazil on federalism and labour. During his speech, the Minister will speak to the challenges faced by Canada's shared jurisdiction for labour, and will share Canadian best practices.
This week, Minister Blackburn met with his counterparts from Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Colombia to highlight the Government of Canada's renewed engagement in the hemisphere. Canada's focus on the Americas seeks to increase prosperity and improve security throughout the hemisphere, as well as to promote Canada's fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
While visiting Latin America in July, the Prime Minister of Canada stated that with a new model of partnership at the heart of Canada's approach to the Americas, we know that we can strengthen hemispheric cooperation in support of peace, security and development.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michael Winterburn
Office of Minister Blackburn
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
